How am I going to pass my CCNA exam?

I bought plenty of CCNA related reading material that I planned on using to study and prepare to pass the CCNA exam. The books have been nothing more than a mere display and a dusk collector on my bookshelf. I planned to study and prepare for the past two years, but I haven't pried myself from my busy life to focus and endulge myself. Only now, am I taking the initiative to start studying and preparing for the CCNA exam.

Here's a little background history of my track record. I went to college full-time to become a web developer studying Computer Information Systems. At the same time, I was working full-time in the IT department of a hospital as a Computer Operator. In this position, I executed scripts created by Systems Analysts, monitored systems, and anticipated problems and took preventative action. After doing this for a year, my goal was to become a Systems Analyst until a Computer Support Technician position was available. As a CST, I was able to learn more about installing and troubleshooting hardware and software. I worked closely with Systems Engineers and filled my knowledge base. At this point, you're probably guessing what my next goal was - to become a Systems Engineer. That goal was shortlived for help was needed on the network team. While working like a busy bee as a CST, I started to help out the network team on configuring, testing, and deploying network switches. You guessed it right, I changed my goal once again. I soon became a Network Engineer. Let's take a few steps back, shall we! I went to school studying C++, Java, ASP.Net; you name it! I still have an interest in web development and plan to pursue this on the side. Since my foot was already in the door, I decided to finish school to get my degree, and further my education in the networking realm. But, that plan did not fall through as I am sitting here today and I have "postponed" studying for the CCNA exam. So, starting today, I'm going to dive into preparing for the CCNA exam.

Since it took such a long time to even get started, I'm not going to zip through this process, but I want to get my CCNA as soon as I can so that I can work better troubleshoot a problem, or plan, configure, test, and deploy network gear. I plan to take two separate tests to obtain my CCNA by taking the ICND1 and ICND2 exams. This way, I don't have to cram all the information. I work at an affiliate hospital of a major non-profit organization. I know of a colleague who has taken the CCNA exam and passed it with ease with the help of http://www.how2pass.com/. This site is very helpful and thorough. It has simulations, online practice tests, hands on labs and more. The great value of the online practice tests is that it will provide the correct answer and an explanation of why the answer is the answer! Now, I plan to use the Cisco Odom ICND1/ICND2 books for reference only because the site is very detailed with information. I read through the forums and reading the positive feedback from actual people who used the site as a guide boosted my interest in utilizing the site to prepare for the CCNA exam. Check out http://www.how2pass.com/ and check it out for yourself. If you're looking to buy CCNA books or software to help prepare you for the exam, check out my Amazon store at http://astore.amazon.com/passtheccnaex-20 or click on the links on this page. Good luck to all who are pursuing to pass the CCNA exam.